Last reviewed: July 29, 2026. This page reflects the qualifying countries identified in the current DFARS text published on acquisition.gov.
What DFARS Compliance Means
DFARS stands for the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. It supplements federal acquisition rules for contracts involving the U.S. Department of Defense.
The official DFARS term is qualifying country. A qualifying country has a reciprocal defence procurement agreement or other qualifying international agreement with the United States. These agreements are intended to remove certain barriers affecting the purchase of supplies and services between participating countries.
Appearing on the qualifying country list does not automatically make every material or product DFARS compliant. Compliance depends on the clauses included in the applicable contract, the material involved, its documented melt or production source, and any applicable exceptions.
How DFARS Sourcing Requirements Apply
DFARS 225.003 defines qualifying countries, while DFARS 252.225-7002 addresses competition involving qualifying country sources and U.S. sources for subcontracts. This clause does not, by itself, certify a material as DFARS compliant.
Specialty metal requirements depend on the clause included in the applicable contract. For example, DFARS 252.225-7008 requires specialty metal delivered under that clause to be melted or produced in the United States or its outlying areas. DFARS 252.225-7009 generally permits specialty metals incorporated into covered items to be melted or produced in the United States, its outlying areas, or a qualifying country, subject to the exceptions stated in the clause.
Customers should review the specific clauses and sourcing requirements included in their contract before ordering material.
Current DFARS Qualifying Countries for 2026
The following 28 countries are identified as qualifying countries under the current DFARS text.
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Important: The United States is treated separately from qualifying countries. DFARS 252.225-7002 states that contractors must not prevent qualifying country sources or U.S. sources from competing for subcontracts, subject to applicable restrictions. For this reason, the United States is not included in the formal qualifying country list above.
DFARS Specialty Metals and Material Documentation
DFARS specialty metal requirements may apply to certain steels, nickel and iron-nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, and zirconium and zirconium alloys. Products such as aluminum, copper, brass, and engineered plastics may be subject to other DFARS clauses or contract-specific sourcing and documentation requirements.
When requested and available, our team can help identify material with documented melt or production information and provide mill test reports or other supporting material certifications. Availability and documentation vary by product and source.
How tk accelis Materials Plus Supports DFARS Projects
We help customers in Canada review sourcing options for projects with DFARS requirements. Our team can help confirm the documented country of origin or melt source, identify available products, and provide mill test reports or other supporting certifications when available.
Because DFARS requirements depend on the applicable contract clauses and the material being purchased, customers should provide all relevant specifications and documentation requirements when requesting a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About DFARS Qualifying Countries
Is Canada a DFARS qualifying country?
Yes. Canada is one of the 28 qualifying countries currently identified in DFARS 225.003 and DFARS 252.225-7002. The applicable contract clauses still determine the sourcing and documentation requirements for a specific material or product.
Is the United States a DFARS qualifying country?
No. The United States is not formally defined as a qualifying country. DFARS treats U.S. sources separately from qualifying country sources, and both may be permitted depending on the applicable contract clause.
Does sourcing from a qualifying country automatically make material DFARS compliant?
No. A qualifying country source alone does not establish compliance. The applicable contract clause, material type, melt or production source, documentation, and any stated exceptions must also be considered.
What metals are considered specialty metals under DFARS?
The DFARS definition includes certain steels, qualifying nickel and iron-nickel alloys, qualifying cobalt alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, and zirconium and zirconium alloys. The detailed composition thresholds are provided in DFARS 252.225-7008 and DFARS 252.225-7009.
What documentation can help verify DFARS material sourcing?
Depending on the product and contract requirements, supporting documentation may include mill test reports, material certifications, country of origin records, and documented melt or production source information.
Official DFARS Resources
Note: This page provides general information and is not legal or contractual advice. Customers are responsible for confirming the requirements that apply to their contract.
Request Material for a Project With DFARS Requirements
If you need material for an upcoming project with DFARS requirements, our team can help you review availability, documentation, and lead times. Connect with us through our PLUS website for quoting and ordering, or contact your representative directly for detailed sourcing support.
